UKTV has done a deal with Disney to offer six shows across Alibi, Drama, Dave and UKTV Play for broadcast in the UK this year, including ‘Sons Of Anarchy’, ‘Company You Keep‘, ‘Brothers and Sisters’, ‘Alaska Daily’, ‘Mike’, and ‘A Small Light’. Here is a bit more about each show and when & where they will air.
‘A Small Light’ – UKTV Drama – May 2024 (Limited Series)
Based on a true story, A Small Light follows Miep Gies, a young, carefree secretary who hid Otto Frank and his family from the Nazis in World War II. For nearly two years, Miep and her husband Jan protected the Franks and others while she held down a day job, kept her marriage intact and shouldered more responsibility than anyone could imagine. While millions are familiar with Anne Frank’s diary and her family’s life in the Secret Annex, A Small Light is the lesser-known story of how an ordinary secretary showed extraordinary courage during one of the darkest moments in history.
‘Brothers and Sisters’ – UKTV Play – Spring In 2024 (5 Seasons)
Family is everything in Brothers and Sisters. Just take a look at the Walkers – they lead very different lives and may seem dysfunctional, but at the root of it, they are always there for each other – whether it’s a family tragedy, professional misadventure or personal triumph. Sally Field is Nora, the strong matriarch, who taps into strength she never knew she had and discovers new ways to bring everyone together as a family.
‘Alaska Daily’ – UKTV Alibi – Summer 2024 (Cancelled after 1 Season)
From the mind of Tom McCarthy, Alaska Daily stars Hilary Swank as Eileen Fitzgerald, a recently disgraced reporter who leaves her high-profile New York life behind to join a daily metro newspaper in Anchorage on a journey to find both personal and professional redemption.
‘The Company You Keep’ – UKTV Alibi – Summer 2024 (Cancelled after 1 Season)
In The Company You Keep, a night of passion leads to love between con man Charlie (Milo Ventimiglia) and undercover CIA officer Emma, who are unknowingly on a collision course professionally. While Charlie ramps up the family business with sights set on getting out for good, Emma works to close in on the vengeful criminal who holds Charlie’s family debts in hand — forcing them to reckon with the lies they’ve told so they can save themselves and their families from disastrous consequences. The series is based on the Korean Broadcasting System series entitled My Fellow Citizens.
‘Sons of Anarchy’ – UKTV Play – Summer In 2024 (7 Seasons)
FX’s Sons of Anarchy is an adrenalized drama with darkly comedic undertones about a notorious outlaw motorcycle club intent on protecting their sheltered small town against encroaching drug dealers, corporate developers and overzealous law officers. The club is equally determined to protect its ruthless and illegally thriving arms business. Charlie Hunnam stars as Jackson ‘Jax’ Teller, a man whose love for the brotherhood is tested by his growing apprehension for its lawlessness. Katey Sagal stars as Gemma Teller Morrow, Jax’s force-of-nature mother, who along with Ron Perlman as Clarance ‘Clay’ Morrow, Jax’s stepfather and MC president, have their own darker vision for the club.
‘Mike’ – UKTV Dave – “Later” In 2024 (Limited Series)
Mike, which comes from creator/screenwriter Steven Rogers and the team behind “I, Tonya” and showrunner Karin Gist, Executive Producer of “Our Kind of People,” explores the dynamic and controversial story of Mike Tyson. The eight-episode limited series explores the tumultuous ups and downs of Tyson’s boxing career and personal life – from being a beloved global athlete to a pariah and back again. Focusing the lens on Mike Tyson, the series examines class in America, race in America, fame and the power of media, misogyny, the wealth divide, the promise of the American Dream and ultimately our own role in shaping Mike’s story. Mike is an unauthorized and no-holds-barred look at the life of Mike Tyson- and it is one wild ride.
“I’m thrilled to announce this deal with Disney for these premium dramas,” said Melanie Rumani, global head of acquisitions, UKTV and BBC Studios. “Growing our portfolio of content for UKTV Play, and providing Drama, Alibi and Dave audiences with more excellent content is a huge priority for us, and these programmes are sure to be a hit when they air later this year.”
The deal was secured by Rachel Bailey, global senior acquisitions manager and overseen by Melanie Rumani, global head of acquisitions, UKTV and BBC Studios alongside Jenny Lamond, Senior Sales Manager Content Distribution on behalf of The Walt Disney Company.
“It’s great to be working with UKTV to showcase these brilliant dramas to new audiences across the UK,” adds Dayna Donaldson, VP, Content Sales, The Walt Disney Company UK & Nordics. “These engaging stories, and the great acting and behind-the-scenes talent that feature in them, are further examples of the outstanding dramas that Disney Entertainment is bringing to fans in the UK and the wider Europe, Middle East and Africa region.”
Most of these shows have already aired previously or are currently on Disney+, but at least this allows people who don’t have Disney+ to watch them. ‘The Company You Keep‘ is a UK premiere, however, it was cancelled after one season, so don’t get too attached!
